What do you think of in January? New year’s resolutions? Losing weight? Football Playoffs? I think Dry Skin. This time of year is terrible for your skin and lips. So I thought I would share some of my resent observations.

I guess once the weather turns cold- all bets are off. All of a sudden I see flakes on my skin, cracks in my lips and the worst- wrinkles more defined. What should we do?

I think the hardest part for most is change. Yes, You might have to change your skin care regimen from the summer months to the winter months. Yes, I know you hate change, but change it is. Use a good hydrating cleanser this time of year. You might have to pass on alcohol-based astringents and go for a calmer aloe toner to remove dirt from your pores. Moisturizing is always key. Make sure you do this in the morning and night. Get those extra dry spots good! Mine are my chin and between my brows for some reason.

Always use eye cream too. You cannot hydrate your eyes enough! Always apply a layer of cream before your concealer. You can mix your concealer and eye cream on the back of your hand and apply with a brush.

Do you breakout too? That is the pits. I hate having dry patches as well as zits. I try to exfoliate as much as possible. I always like our routine of pumpkin peel, almond scrub, followed by the chamomile mask. But when my skin is very try and needs to be refreshed and smooth, I skip the first two steps and go straight to the chamomile mask. Just apply for 5-10 minutes and rinse with cool water. Your skin will feel really smooth and soft. This is good for all skin types- even the sensitive ones.

Don’t forget your lips! Recently my husband Mike asked me for some lip balm for his dry lips. I handed him aLip Balm Ball (I swear this is a true story!) He made a face- like “ I am a man, I will not use this girly stuff.” I said- “It is all I got- try it- I think you will like it.” He did and was so impressed on how great his lips felt afterwards. On a recent ski trip, he again asked for some lip balm- I found an old chapstick in my ski jacket pocket, so I gave it to him. He said “What? You don’t have that lip ball thingy?” The Lip Balm Ball was so much better. He is a tough critic. Maybe I will get him to use our Sugar Lips Scrub to help smooth them out too! I personally use more lip gel based glosses this time of year. Otherwise I will add a coat of Lip Balm before applying my lipstick.

I have often been told to drink a lot of water- your skin will become re-hydrated from this. I may add this step to my New Year’s Resolutions.

So what have we learned?

Change your regular routine-Cleanse-Exfoliate-Moisturize!

Happy Skin!

Sherry B.

OK- now that summer is here- how can we look and feel great in the summer heat?

Hair. Oh the dreaded hair. My hair will frizz with the slightest of humidity. Some people are lucky enough to just let their hair dry and get beautiful natural curls. Flat irons are usually work well with me-but my hairdresser Carly, will have my head when I come in with about a thousand split ends. Some people look great with cute headbands and other clips to keep them cool. I usually look like I rolled out of bed when I attempt something like that. I also love the gals who look just adorable when they throw on a baseball cap. I look like an overweight boy when I attempt this look. Bottom line for me- Spring to get your hair blown out or fry hair with Flat iron-

Next-

Fashion. Dress cool. Best bets are camisole tops, cute sun dresses, and shorts. Never let them see you sweat, so make sure the fabric is breathable and you are comfortable. I am always fascinated by the people who live in hot climates like Florida. When I am visiting- I will see women, looking so chic, with long sleeves and long white pants in the supermarket. I on the other hand, will be barely wearing a tank top and flip flops- and I will be dripping from the walk from the car. Going out- I love to wear "dress" shorts and strappy sandals. I bought a few dresses this season- but I seem to be saving them for some reason. I also think you need to wear "cool" colors- whites, light pink, yellows... Oh how I miss wearing black in the summer! Bottom line- Wear less, bring layers- get a few cute wraps, sweaters etc. if you get a chill in a restaurant or movie theater.

Skin. I have just started doing this again. I am using toner after washing my face. I am even using it when I come in from a long hot sweaty day for a quick pick me up. You can even store your toner in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. It really seems to be making a different with my skin. I usually feel my pores getting clogged as I sweat! Make sure you wear your sun screen too this summer. Bottom line- Keep your skin clean and pores clear after you are in the heat and humidity.

Makeup. this one is tricky- like the hair, You may have good intentions when you are getting ready, but something happens as soon as you leave your house. I would apply a full face of makeup and sometime around 1:00pm I will look like a wet rat. Since starting Loose Lips New York, I have found a few tricks of the trade. Waterproof items are awesome. I am a huge fan of Indelible Gel Eyeliner and Waterproof Mascara for these long, hot days. Use a setting spray after applying your foundation for long lasting staying power! Tan? Just brush on some bronzer for a refreshing glow. Also keep makeup light- don't go too heavy on the eyes. Swipe a a shimmery gloss and you are ready to go. Bottom line- Less is more. Use what you need and try long lasting and waterproof products.

OK- I better go get ready to go out now-

Sherry B.